One year ago, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists invaded Israel slaughtering as many Jews as they could find. Jarad Bernstein of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines joined us one year ago with hope the international community would fully support Israel and the Jewish people. What happened instead is tragic: the international community turned its back on Israel and the Jewish people, as did people in our own country. Our Iowa leaders have something to say about that.

Bernstein gave remarks at an Evening of Community and Unity alongside Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and other lawmakers, fully supporting Israel, and the Jewish community of Iowa. Bernstein explains his surprise at the United Nations support of terrorists over Israel and discusses sadness over hostages still being held by Hamas. We discuss how Iran and Hezbollah have turned up the pressure, joining Hamas, and what it will take to end this conflict.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jewish-federation-iowa-jarad-bernstein 

Discussion in recent weeks has centered around pesticides and toxins in the food we grow, much of it from Iowa. According to Professor Neil Hamilton, creator of The Iowa Nature Summit and Drake law professor, we apply pesticides to over 25 million acres of farmland each year, but what impact is that really having? Does that have something to do with our 2nd in the nation cancer rates? There's no easy answer.

The Iowa Nature Summit is at Drake University October 9-10. Although a nature summit may have previously been for the "crunchy granola" folks, the connection between nature and human health is becoming more obvious with both political parties showing renewed interest in the degrading environment around us. 

See the video and full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-nature-summit-neil-hamilton 

Van Harden of WHO Radio’s Van and Bonnie Show has been retired from radio for years. He sat down to discuss what he’s been up to, his reaction to seeing the famous WHO Radio microphone in the Reagan film, and he reacts to local radio’s struggle to maintain focus on their community.

Harden presided not only as host of Iowa’s most popular morning show, but as program director for the state’s largest news radio station. After leaving however, the station has struggled to stay relevant, sliding in ratings and losing critical staff. He discusses his new chapter, a new forthcoming book, and gives advice to small businesses wanting to use podcasts as a tool to reach new customers.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/van-harden-who-radio

Libertarian Marco Battaglia, challenger for Congressman Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd congressional district, was kicked off the ballot but most Iowans don't understand why. The reason? Iowa Libertarians voted 181 minutes too early. Adding insult to injury, Battaglia says they caught the error but were told by the Iowa Secretary of State's Office and his own party, it wouldn't be a concern. 

As the majority of the country now identifies as independent, nearly %50, why can't Libertarian seem to win anyone over to their side? Does their image need an overhaul? Battaglia explains why Libertarians come with some baggage, addresses concerns most Iowans have with the party, and explains why marijuana legalization, now seeing acceptance from both parties, may have harmed party growth.

See the show notes and full video here: https://iowapodcast.com/marco-battaglia-iowa-libertarian 

For the next year, Iowa is a Cyclone state. In the annual CyHawk face-off, the Iowa State University Cyclones beat the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and all the bragging rights that come with it. How'd they do it? It was the uniforms. Their head of equipment breaks down the entire process and explains how they're made, and how player heads are digitally scanned to custom-fit their helmets.

Jon Sedgwick, Director of Equipment Operations for Iowa State University Athletics, said the uniform design process takes up to two years to complete. Collaborating closely with Nike, Sedgwick shares how details like color schemes and fabric materials are carefully chosen to not only enhance performance but also ensure that the team looks sharp on the field. He adds, “If you look good, you play good,” emphasizing how the right gear boosts players’ confidence. He's not wrong, research actually backs this claim, which is a topic for another time.

See the video and photos: https://iowapodcast.com/jonathan-sedgwick-ISU-uniforms

The RFK endorsement of Donald Trump highlighted an issue that most people don’t think about on a daily basis. Is food in the USA safe or does it fuel chronic disease? Are pesticides getting into our food? Are seed oils worse than other oils? What is processed food, and why does it matter? Registered dietitian Kelli Hanson provides a research-backed overview. 

Hanson discusses why most people are magnesium deficient, how to increase your intake of healthy foods, and why you don’t feel full after a meal—it’s not that you didn’t eat enough. She also explains why a meat-free diet can result in hormone or women’s fertility problems if you’re not careful. Maybe you should eat that nice juicy ribeye after all.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/is-food-in-the-usa-safe-kelli-hanson

The 2024 DNC has concluded but the road ahead remains difficult for Kamala Harris. Former Democratic Candidate for Iowa Governor and Harris advisor, Deidre DeJear discusses what’s next and addresses the Robert F. Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard endorsements. Did they suck the wind out of Harris sails? Do Democrats have a problem?

DeJear recounts the 2019 election when Harris dropped out before the Iowa Caucuses, later becoming President Joe Biden’s VP Pick. Today, Harris faces several challenges. Prominent figures in her own party have endorsed Donal Trump, and she’s facing a tough choice whether she needs to distance herself from President Biden’s policies or embrace them. DeJear offers her perspective on embracing those policies and accepting responsibility, committing to learn from the challenges. See the video: https://iowapodcast.com/deidre-dejear-kamala-harris 

Before COVID, it was on the rise, but after COVID, “it has skyrocketed," says Navy SEAL Robert Carter. Carter has an MBA from The University of Iowa. We address challenges in Police response, new Iowa laws that take a proactive approach and how AI technology can reduce shootings, while maintaining privacy.

School shootings have been on the rise since the 1960s, with a significant increase following the COVID-19 pandemic and sadly real solutions are overlooked in favor of political finger pointing. The truth is, there are solutions and with a new law in Iowa, schools can use high-tech solutions to prevent tragedy.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-school-shootings

The 2024-2025 school year in Iowa is here and for parents that means clutter and school supplies all over the floor, balancing conflicting schedules, packing healthy lunches without needing a PhD in Nutrition, and going to culinary school. Professional Organizer, Jennifer Robb, founder of Simple Organizing Strategies gives her trade secrets to keeping it shockingly simple. 

Robb works with parents under pressure. She says one of the most crucial things they can adopt is understanding each child’s organizational style. Most parents make the mistake of assuming all children can adopt the exact same process—but this ends up in fights, high emotions, and lots of tears. But by taking a small step back, you can avoid the tantrums and bring peace to the chaos.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-back-to-school-organization 

As the regional director of Youth For Christ and Christian living in Beirut, John Sagherian's perspective on Israel, Palestine crosses known political lines and talking points we've heard. Last week, a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike 2 miles from his home. Part Iowan, part Lebanese, he gives his honest thoughts nearly one year into the conflict and how his home has been impacted.

Sagherian reminds us the people impacted on both sides are in a lot of pain. They both need help, and the majority in the region are desperately hoping for peace.  

See the full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/israel-vs-palestine-its-not-that-simple